Smut writing for a decade

Thoughts in advance of my forthcoming erotic writing workshop

For over a decade, I wrote erotic fiction. I’d tried to write fiction for many years, but it was only when I started to explore the subject of eroticism and desire in my work that I was able to write any. I joined the Erotica Readers and Writers Association, an international group of writers, editors and publishers where I learned how to craft a good erotic tale. When I started all I wrote was sex scenes. I went on to writing and publishing stories in over 30 anthologies, a collection of short fiction and a novella.

I wasn’t expecting to write erotic fiction, it just kind of happened, but it was the right path for me, in my late thirties going through a life change, taking a poetry workshop at a university near me, living on my own in downtown Ottawa. It was a heady time.

There’s a lot I’m going to say about writing erotic texts at the forthcoming workshop on Sunday. What I wanted to leave you with here is that, once I found a path for my creative expression, it led to a lot of productivity and satisfaction. And once I found a community of kindred creators, I was in my element. The lessons I learned from my fellow writers weren’t just about how to write erotica, they were also more generally about how to craft good fiction, write well-developed characters, and a compelling plot.

If you’re looking for inspiration or advice for your writing, my suggestion is to find a community where you will be inspired to learn and to share your work.

I continue to explore eroticism and desire in all of my creative work because it is part of who I am. I will talk more about writing and editing erotic texts in the workshop. I will also share excerpts and behind-the-scenes stories.

What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? / The world would split open” Muriel Rukeyser, Käthe Kollwitz.

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